Connectors in Government Relations advocate for MSU and higher education

<p>Three-time MSU alumna Kathy Wilbur is senior vice president for <a href="https://govrelations.msu.edu">Government Relations at MSU</a>. Katie John is associate vice president for State Relations and an MSU alumna, too.</p><p> </p><p>Wilbur and John elaborate on the mission of Government Relations at MSU. They talk about Michigan’s Democratically controlled legislature, too, and about policy issues being discussed at the Capitol that could impact MSU. They update the latest state budget negotiations and reflect on the career of retiring Senior U.S. Senator and two-time MSU alumna Debbie Stabenow. And they talk about the <a href="https://mispartanimpact.msu.edu">Spartan Advocate</a> program that works with partners across the state to create a stronger, healthier, more prosperous tomorrow—for Michigan and the world.</p><p> </p><p><strong><em>Conversation Highlights</em></strong>:</p><p> </p><p>(00:27) – “We divide our work into four areas…”</p><p> </p><p>(6:57) – “It’s a sea change. It’s a dramatically different philosophical bent. That’s probably no surprise to anyone. I think that’s why they voted that way.”</p><p> </p><p>(7:57) – “What a busy agenda the Democrats have managed to accomplish in these few short months.” </p><p> </p><p>(12:45) – “This really is a policy that would cover every higher education institution in the state, and it does allow for the sale of alcohol at a variety of athletic venues.”</p><p> </p><p>(16:18) – “Last year the governor and the legislature worked very closely under a Republican-controlled legislature to implement the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.”</p><p> </p><p>(19:07) – “We also have heard on the mental health needs that the legislature has heard about these needs over and over again. The needs are everywhere. But on college campuses, the increase in our requests alone for mental health support services is really astounding.”</p><p> </p><p>(21:24) – “We have worked closely with the MEDC to bring companies onto campus who are either interested in landing or expand